Diagnosed 2 weeks ago -- total surprise

[kath68]

Hi everyone --

I am a 41 year old, self-employed, happily married mother of a six year old, and I had an out-of-the-blue diagnosis of MS two weeks ago. It was ON caught by my optometrist that started it all. It took 10 days jammed with many scary appointments to get a diagnosis after that. Sure I had symptoms (brief fatigue episodes this past year, mostly), but this was my real first flare up (numbness up my legs, a headache and vision problems and outrageous fatigue, distractedness, depression -- it has all lasted over a month now).

First, after surfing here for a while, I want to thank all of you for what you do. It has helped more than you know. Second, I don't want to diminish the pain and frustration for those in "limbo" who are struggling with getting the attention and diagnosis they need. I can't imagine. I am grateful for the care I have gotten so far, and don't take it for granted. It seems bizarre, and a little untrustworthy (getting a second opinion with an MS specialist next week), that I can be diagnosed so fast when others can't.

I have one big question, about fatigue. Do you find it better to try to fight through the fatigue or give in to it? Can you fight through it? I can't tell if I am making myself worse by trying to pretend the fatigue isn't there, but I think I am. How do people get through a work day? I think it takes me longer to recover when I finally do let myself collapse, but I can't tell. On the other hand, when I just give in (i.e. spend the entire weekend in bed ), it feels so depressing -- like I am letting this monster take over. That can't be good. I am wondering if giving in to fatigue in short bursts can be a good strategy to making the fatigue end more quickly.

I appreciate whatever insights you all might have. Thank you all for your wisdom and generosity!

[wkikta]

There are medications for the fatigue, talk to your Doctor.

[CasinoKathy]

Hi kath68, a big WELCOME to msworld, sorry for the reason your here though.

Fatigue can be strange. Mine is kinda mild compared to what I have read here.

When it does hit me it's usually between 3-4 in the afternoon. Just great timing-- when I'm trying to fix supper!!

I usually rest alittle right after supper. 20 minutes will normally do it for me. I know what you mean by not wanting to give in to it though.

Are you better off giving in and resting? I guess only you can answer that one. My advice is, do whatever you need to do to make yourself feel better!

I love your user name. On different things, I have in the past gone by the name Kath66. I used to have a 1966 Charger, way too cool!!

[KoKo]

Hello Kath68

Welcome to MS World!

Persons sometimes can get a quick diagnosis if other possible diseases are ruled out, and the criteria is met for an MS diagnosis. Sounds like you may have had enough pieces to the puzzle for a diagnosis.

On the matter of fatigue, I would say that we each have to find what works for our own body. I've had MS for 11 years now, so there's really no fighting through it anymore. My mind might say fight on through, but my body has the final say.

You might try short rests, and also prevention by not overdoing in the first place. Even with being careful, I've found that fatigue can sneak up no matter what I do. MS is so unpredictable, and the fatigue can be too.

Hope to see more of your posts! Best to you and your family

Take care,
KoKo

[kath68]

Thanks for your responses -- I suppose it makes sense with this that the answer is "whatever works best for you" -- this dang MS thing is so unpredictable!

My regular exercise routine seems to knock me out of commission for days, so pretending like nothing is wrong is definitely out of the question. When I am done I am done. I guess I am trying to figure out how much I can get away with before I push myself over the edge to "done-ness". Up until a few months ago I was quite the perfectionist workaholic. I think I have to find a new way of being. Unless this is just a one-time deal that I never see again. lol. Somehow I don't think it is.

I have also not been one to medicate myself in my life, so I am also adjusting to the idea of DMDs, anti-depressants (I have to admit I need them now) steroids, the whole thing. Plus lifestyle and nutrition changes. After a couple of weeks of wallowing in shock and fear, I am trying to take this on as aggressively and realistically as I can. Not just for me, but for my family.

So I am grateful for those of you have forged the path, shared your experiences, etc here. It makes me see it can be done, and it gives me concrete examples of how to go about doing it. Thank you.

[moontan]

hi !

I joined msworld yesterday ... was diagnosed 05 -10.
Still seem to be in denial ... fatigue ~ personally, I try to blow right through it ... until I can't do any more ... until I drop. My feet or my lower back pain can and do make me stop once in a while. But my point is, do while u can do !

Interesting thing ... YOGA / STRETCHING ... if you would have told me that six months ago, I would have laughed at you. Stretching has helped, the walking on glass, nerve type feeling has diminished. : - ) Trying to learn the yoga stuff ... it will come ... the whole breathing thing ... much to learn, but it does relax the soul. Five minutes in the morning and a few minutes before I go to bed seems to really help.

Just turned 50 yrs old, I felt as if I was at the top of my game (life). And now MS ... GOD's SPEED my friend !